About us

The Educational Psychology Autism Special Interest Group (EP-ASIG) is a professional support group of UK-based Educational Psychologist (EPs), both independent and from within Local Authorities, who have a particular interest in Autism. We meet several times per year to share ideas and experience in Autism. Since its inauguration in 2007, EP-ASIG (a not-for-profit organisation) has held a free study day every year in London for EPs from all over the UK.

Topics explored in past study days have formed the basis for a book edited by core members of EP-ASIG. Entitled Educational Psychology Perspectives on Supporting Young Autistic People: Insights from Experience, Practice and Research, the editors invited contributions from some of those who had previously spoken at study days. These contributors represented the leading edge of developments in the field. Each chapter offers a range of perspectives, from leading-edge research and evidence-based interventions to overviews from professionals and personal reflections from parents and autistic young people. There are chapters on issues such as sexual gender/ identity for autistic adolescents struggling to understand how to fit into peer society; the minefield of the criminal justice system (CJS) for youngsters who exhibit odd, disruptive or violent behaviour without deliberate intent to harm; and the complexity of cultural perspectives and autism where, for instance, a family might view the manifestations of autistic behaviour as something evil.

We have also included chapters on the challenges for parents in developing relationships with their autistic children and further chapters on the huge area of behaviour that is perceived to be challenging, as well as understanding anxiety and well-being. Transition to adulthood is an enormously difficult time not only for the autistic young person, but also for the family and professionals involved. Chapter 6 explores the challenges and suggests some ways forward, and Chapter 10 covers the innovations of information technology to support autistic individuals. These are everyday issues for practitioners desperate for some information that can provide a clearer way forward, a toolbox of evidence-based interventions and a much-needed description of what it feels like to be autistic or to be the parent of an autistic child. Laura Crane and Liz Pellicano have co-written Chapter 2, which covers some of the current research in the area with relevance to those working in education, and Chapter 1 provides a personal view of the trajectories of the role of the EP and the developing knowledge of autism.

An overview of this book was provided in this EP Reach-Out session.

All royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to an independent charity – Resources for Autism, and a community interest company A2nd Voice, both of which work with autistic children and their families.